529: She Built a $100M+ Soda Brand From Her Home Kitchen | Allison Ellsworth [VIDEO]
Sep 13, 2024
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Allison Ellsworth, founder of Poppy, shares her compelling journey from farmers markets to a nationally recognized soda brand. She reveals how her decision to appear on Shark Tank was a game-changer, and the subsequent rebranding that fueled her success. The impact of a last-minute Super Bowl ad tripling brand awareness is a highlight, along with her strategies for building a community on TikTok. Allison offers invaluable advice on navigating rapid growth while maintaining authenticity, making this conversation a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Allison Ellsworth's journey from kitchen experiments to founding Poppy illustrates the power of resilience in entrepreneurship.
The strategic decision to appear on Shark Tank played a pivotal role in boosting Poppy's brand visibility and sales.
Poppy's emphasis on community-building and authentic storytelling, particularly through social media, is key to their marketing success.
Deep dives
From Health Challenges to Business Creation
Personal health challenges significantly influenced the creation of Poppy, with the founder drawing inspiration from struggles faced during years in the oil and gas industry. After traveling frequently and experiencing health issues, she began researching ways to reset and detox her body through dietary changes. This led to the discovery of apple cider vinegar and its health benefits, ultimately sparking the idea for a beverage that would cater to health-conscious consumers. The brand was officially launched in 2020 after years of personal experimentation and development in the kitchen.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape
Starting Poppy with limited funds and no background in the beverage industry posed unique challenges, but the founder tackled them with determination and resourcefulness. After receiving guidance from a friend who had experience in brewing, they began scaling production by sourcing equipment in stages while selling at farmer's markets on the weekends. This hands-on approach allowed them to generate initial revenue and gain traction with consumers. Their persistence paid off, leading to significant sales growth as they navigated the complexities of launching a new product.
The Power of a Shark Tank Appearance
Securing a spot on Shark Tank became a crucial turning point for the business, especially when the founders faced financial pressures and the risk of failure. The rigorous auditioning process involved long waits and extensive background checks, ultimately culminating in a successful pitch that netted them a significant investment. The visibility from Shark Tank greatly increased brand awareness and sales, allowing them to transition from farmers' markets to retail locations. By strategically leveraging this exposure, Poppy experienced an impressive boost in both revenue and market penetration.
Embracing the COVID-19 Challenge
Launching Poppy during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented considerable obstacles, but it also opened unique opportunities for digital growth. The founders quickly pivoted their marketing strategy, focusing on online platforms like Amazon to reach consumers who were increasingly relying on e-commerce during lockdowns. An added boost came when a Shark Tank update aired shortly after their launch, propelling them to remarkable sales figures and brand recognition. This adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges proved vital for their successful entry into the beverage market.
Building a Brand Beyond the Product
Poppy's success relies heavily on creating an emotional connection with consumers rather than solely focusing on the product's health benefits. The founders aim to build a community around the brand, emphasizing authentic storytelling and relatable content, particularly through platforms like TikTok. This strategy has led to viral marketing that resonates with younger audiences, positioning Poppy not just as a beverage choice but as part of a lifestyle. By continuously engaging with their community and adapting their approach based on consumer feedback, Poppy aspires to become a household name, akin to iconic brands like Nike.
In this episode, Allison Ellsworth, founder of Poppi, takes us through her incredible journey from humble beginnings at farmers markets to achieving national recognition with her modern soda brand. Allison shares the challenges she faced in the early days, including the pivotal decision to appear on Shark Tank, where she secured a deal that helped propel Poppi to success. She discusses the strategic rebranding that transformed her business, the impact of her Super Bowl commercial, and how she’s built a brand that resonates deeply with consumers through authentic, community-first marketing.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Allison’s journey from kitchen experiments to a successful Shark Tank pitch
- The rebranding process that led to Poppi’s breakthrough
- How a last-minute Super Bowl ad tripled Poppi's brand awareness overnight
- Leveraging TikTok and social media to build a strong, engaged community
- Key strategies for scaling a beverage brand in a competitive market
- Allison’s advice for founders on navigating rapid growth and maintaining brand integrity
- Many more valuable insights for entrepreneurs
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